While AI programs like ChatGPT and Copilot can be incredibly useful for proofreading and editing, it’s important to be aware of the security risks involved, especially when dealing with confidential information. These programs can be used, but confidential information should never be included in the interactions with these software platforms.
What are some examples of confidential information?
- Personal Information: This includes details such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and other identifying information.
- Financial Information: Bank account details, credit card numbers, financial statements, tax records, and other financial data fall under this category.
- Medical Information: Health records, medical histories, prescriptions, and any other health-related information are considered highly confidential.
- Business Information: Trade secrets, proprietary processes, business plans, financial projections, and other sensitive business data.
- Legal Information: Contracts, legal agreements, litigation documents, and other legal records.
- Intellectual Property: Patents, trademarks, copyrights, and any other intellectual property-related information.
- Employee Information: Employee records, including personal details, performance reviews, salary information, and other HR-related data.
- Customer Information: Data about customers, such as contact details, purchase history, and any other information collected during business transactions.
What are the risks?
Data Exposure: When you upload documents containing sensitive or confidential information to an AI program, there is a risk that this data could be exposed to unauthorized parties. This could lead to breaches of confidentiality and potential misuse of the information.
Data Storage and Retention: AI programs may store and retain copies of the documents you upload. Even if the service claims to delete data after processing, there is no absolute guarantee that your information will not be retained or accessed later.
Third-Party Access: Some AI programs may use third-party services to process your documents. These third parties may have different security practices, increasing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
Inadvertent Sharing: There is a risk that confidential information could be inadvertently shared or leaked through the AI program’s interface or through integration with other services.
User Responsibility: Users should exercise caution when using AI programs for proofreading confidential documents. Avoid uploading highly sensitive information unless absolutely necessary. Consider using alternative methods for proofreading such documents, such as manual review by trusted individuals.